A THURROCK charity fundraiser has set the bar high at the year end as he aims to support a charity very close to his and his family's heart.

Earlier this year Thurrock Nub News featured the cycling fundraising efforts of local teacher Dan Ayris from Stanford-le-Hope.

Now he has set himself a pre-Christmas challenge to raise funds for the Fibromyalgia Action Support Group. Dan says of his aspiration to help them: "It's a big one. It's one that is so close to my heart as both me and my mum have the condition.

"The aim of this is to spread awareness to those with and without, to show the positives of the condition and how I deal with it day to day.

"This is about positive awareness as there are quite a lot of symptoms that go with this so, I'm going to be doing a 'hell week' from 17 to 24 December. Each day will be dedicated to a symptom and how and what I do to get through it."

Fibromyalgia Action UK was established in order to provide information and support to sufferers and their families. In addition, the Association provides medical information for professionals and operates a national helpline.

The challenges Dan has set include:

18 December - Climb Kinder Scout mountain (2087ft 637m) in the Peak District.

20 December - Ride 50 miles (depends on weather if it will be inside or outside).

21 December Community charity day (volunteering and what not). Depression and anxiety

22 December Run/walk a mile an hour for 24 hours (insomnia, fatigue, pain).

23 December- A live video feed/chat (I think about 30 minutes but depends on the questions submitted). I will talk to various people about fibro and answer questions regarding anything to do with fibro, the challenges and my day to day also a chance to say a big thank you for those who have helped me so much.

He adds: "For this last one I'd love for people to come live and have a chat with me too makes it much less awkward."

You can find out more about Dan's efforts and donate via this link